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Posts for Property Nuisances

When Homes Are Abandoned but Problems Remain: Abating Nuisances at Zombie Homes

August 26, 2026  by  Harry Boesche
Category:  Nuisance Abatement and Enforcement ,  Property Nuisances

Local governments often take action against abandoned properties, since nuisances arise on such sites, but mortgage servicers may also initiate the abatement process. How do these two parties work together and stay within the statutory requirements?

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Written on the Subway Walls: Is Graffiti Free Speech or Property Damage?

September 29, 2025  by  Harry Boesche
Category:  Nuisance Abatement and Enforcement ,  Property Nuisances

Should graffiti written on a public sidewalk be considered free speech or property damage? While courts at all levels have wrestled with this question, most rulings preserve broad First Amendment protections for free speech in traditional public forums.

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What Can Be Done about “Zombie” Properties?

January 17, 2017  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions ,  Property Nuisances

The Washington Supreme Court's decision in Jordan v. Nationstar Mortgage LLC significantly impacts the ability of local government to take action with respect to vacant or "zombie" properties. This blog post discusses this impact as well as some options for addressing zombie properties.

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Washington Supreme Court Finds Begging Ordinance Unconstitutional Under Reed v. Town of Gilbert

July 27, 2016  by  Jim Doherty
Category:  Property Nuisances

In City of Lakewood v. Robert Willis, the state supreme court struck down two sections of a “begging” ordinance as unconstitutional restrictions on the First Amendment rights of an individual who was at a freeway ramp holding a sign indicating he had disabilities and needed help.

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